dignitary

noun

dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē 

-ˌte-rē

plural dignitaries

: one who possesses exalted rank or holds a position of dignity or honor

dignitary adjective

Examples of dignitary in a Sentence

The dinner was attended by many foreign dignitaries.

Recent Examples on the Web

Another was Hussein Abdallah al-Maatouq, a religious dignitary and secretary-general of the National Islamic Alliance, Kuwait's most influential Shia movement, the sources said. — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

As part of the NFL’s halftime show announcement, Goodell revealed that his one request to Jay when the NFL entered a partnership with Roc Nation was that the Brooklyn rap dignitary take the Super Bowl stage at some point. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026

But when the late Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister Tony Blair and other dignitaries gathered at Westminster Abbey for a service of commemoration, the proceedings were interrupted by a Black man wearing a dashiki. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026

When the drama’s primary source of tension is what menu to serve a visiting dignitary, there’s no risk of watching a gory beheading with your mom. — Alison Herman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dignitary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

dignitary

noun

dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē 

plural dignitaries

: a person of high position or honor

dignitaries of the church